The After-Action Review

References FM , Training the Force, NOV 88 FM , Battle Focused Training, SEP 90 TC 25-20, A Leader's Guide to After- Action Reviews, SEP 93

AAR versus AAR After-Action Review  After-Action Report Review = Verbal Report = Written The report should use information from the review

What is an AAR? The AAR is a structured review process that allows training participants to discover for themselves what happened, why it happened, and how it can be done better.

What is an AAR NOT? Place to determine “blame” Method to determine success or failure Grandstand Soapbox Bitch session … even though aspects of each will be present in a good AAR

Formal AAR Have external observers and controllers (OCs) Take more time Use complex training aids Are scheduled beforehand Are conducted where best supported

Informal AAR Conducted by internal chain of command Take less time Use simple training aids Are conducted when needed Are held at the training site

Aspects of an AAR Focus on the training objectives (was the mission accomplished?) Emphasize meeting Army standards (do not determine winners or losers) Encourage soldiers to discover important lessons from the training event Allow a large number of soldiers and leaders (including OPFOR) to participate so that lessons learned can be shared

When to Conduct an AAR After each significant training event At the conclusion of a large training event After each training event emphasized by the chain of command (may be iterative)

Four Parts of an AAR 1. Review what was supposed to happen (training plan) 2. Establish what happened (to include OPFOR point of view) 3. Determine what was right or wrong with what happened 4. Determine how the task should be done differently next time

The AAR Process Step 1. Planning Step 2. Preparing Step 3. Conducting Step 4. Following up (using AAR results)

Step 1: Planning Select and train qualified OCs Review the training and evaluation plan, ARTEP, MTPs, and (STPs) Identify when AARs will occur Determine who will attend AARs Select potential AAR sites Choose training aids Review the AAR plan

Step 2: Preparation Review training objectives, orders, METL, and doctrine Identify key events OCs are to observe Observe the training and take notes Collect observations from other OCs Organize observations (identify key discussion or teaching points) Recon & prepare the selected AAR site

Step 3: Conduct Seek maximum participation Maintain focus on training objectives Constantly review teaching points Record key points (assign recorder)

Step 4: Follow-Up Identify tasks requiring retraining Fix the problem – retrain immediately, revise standing operating procedures (SOPs), integrate into tutors training plans Use to assist in making commander's assessment

Actions After an AAR Commanders update unit METL (T, P, U) NCOs make notes in leader books to assess individual and crew performance Commanders may wish to use an assessment worksheet to capture additional information or ideas

Example of a Training Assessment Worksheet

Steps to Conduct an AAR 1. Gather all the players 2. Review events leading to the activity 3. Give a brief statement of the specific activity 3. Summarize the key events 4. Encourage participation 5. Have junior leaders restate portions of their part of the activity

6. Don’t make this a critique or lecture!  Ask why certain actions were taken  Ask how they reacted to certain situations  Ask when actions were initiated  Ask leading & thought-provoking questions  Exchange “war stories” (lessons learned)  “What happened in your own point of view?”  Relate events to subsequent results  Explore alternative courses of actions  Maintain positive focus

Steps to Conduct an AAR (cont’d) 7. Summarize 8. Allow junior leaders to discuss the events with their people in private 9. Follow up on needed actions

Detail: Conduct of AAR 1. Introduction and rules 2. Review of objectives and intent 3. Summary of recent events (what happened) 4. Discussion of optional issues 5. Discussion of force protection (safety) 6. Closing comments (summary)

AAR Techniques Site selection  Near the event  Comfortable, but not too comfortable Training aids  Must be appropriate  Be judicious – it either helps or hurts Organize site (horseshoe)

Conclusion An AAR, when done right, can make a tremendous impact on your unit. The AAR process, as well as its lessons learned, makes a powerful demonstration to soldiers and subordinate leaders about the value the commander places on meeting Army standards. The non-judgmental quality of the AAR allows us to identify and learn from our mistakes, and let junior leaders take initiative without fear of a zero- defect mentality.